Ban's report on 1701: Lebanese elections should be conducted within constitutional timeframe

Attached
is an advance copy of the Report of the Secretary-General
on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) for
the information of the members
of the Security Council.

This
report will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the
symbol S/2013/120.27
February 2013

Report
of the Secretary-General on the Implementation of Security Council
Resolution 1701 (2006)

Reporting
Period 30 October 2012 to 28 February 2013

I.
Introduction

1.
The present report provides a comprehensive assessment of the
implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) since my
last report of 14 November 2012 (S/2012/837).2.
Against the backdrop of the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic,
the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon continued to
hold and the situation south of the Litani River and along the Blue
Line generally remained stable. Although there was no substantive
progress towards implementation of their respective outstanding
obligations under resolution 1701 (2006), the parties maintained
their commitment to the resolution. During the reporting period, both
parties sought to reassure the other side through the United Nations
Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that they did not wish to see any
resumption of hostilities and, in some instances, sought to develop
further security and liaison arrangements with UNIFIL.

3.
Nevertheless, unidentified armed groups attempted on two occasions to
launch rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel, coinciding with the
timing of the conflict in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel from 14
to 21 November 2012. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces responded
to the outbreak of the hostilities by enhancing their coordinated
activities in UNIFIL’s area of operations.

4.
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman visited UNIFIL Headquarters in
Naqoura on 18 January 2013 to express Lebanon’s appreciation for
the work of UNIFIL and highlight the partnership that exists between
the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL in the implementation of
resolution 1701 (2006).

5.
Violent incidents continued to occur across the Lebanese-Syrian
border during the reporting period although there was a substantial
decrease in casualties. At least three Lebanese citizens were killed
including a child by shots fired from Syria and Syrian Government
forces were responsible for further incidents of cross-border
shelling which caused material damage. The Lebanese Armed Forces
reported continued smuggling of weapons destined for Syria. Members
of a group of fighters crossing from Lebanon into Syria were reported
to have been killed by Syrian Government forces near the Syrian town
of Tal Kalakh. The Syrian authorities have returned ten bodies for
burial in Lebanon. Nine of the pilgrims abducted on 22 May 2012 in
Syria are still detained.

6.
The incident in Tal Kalakh prompted a further round of fighting in
Tripoli between the Sunni community of Bab al Tabbaneh and the
adjacent Alawite neighbourhood of Jabel Mohsen, which lasted from 4
to 10 December and left 17 dead and more than 40 wounded. This was
the sixth outbreak of violence in Tripoli since the beginning of
2012. On 4 February, a Lebanese court issued an arrest warrant for
Syrian General Ali Mamlouk, head of the Syrian National Security
Bureau, in connection with the investigation into the Michel Samaha
case, on which I have previously reported. On 20 February, a judge
issued an indictment against the three suspects in the case.

7.
President Sleiman led consultations with all Lebanese parties in the
period after the 19 October 2012 assassination of General Wissam
al-Hassan. The investigation into the assassination continues but no
perpetrators have been identified as yet. Members of 14 March
maintained a boycott of the Government and of the National Dialogue,
which did not meet during the reporting period. Preparations for
parliamentary elections continued but were over-shadowed by
disagreements over a possible new electoral law; the elections are
due in June.

8.
The number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon continued to rise sharply.
As of 25 February, UNHCR reported that more than 305,000 Syrian
refugees were receiving assistance in Lebanon, more than double the
figure cited in my last report and the highest number in any of the
countries neighbouring Syria. In addition, some 31,500 Palestinian
refugees as of 25 February have been displaced from Syria into
Lebanon. I discussed Lebanon’s efforts and needs in addressing the
challenge of refugee inflows in my meetings with President Sleiman on
30 January in Kuwait City on the margins of the International
Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, and with Prime Minister
Najib Mikati on 25 January in Davos on the margins of the World
Economic Forum.

II.
Implementation of resolution 1701 (2006)

A.
Situation in the UNIFIL area of operations

9.
The situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations generally remained
stable during the reporting period. Calm prevailed along the Blue
Line and the parties worked closely with UNIFIL to strengthen liaison
and coordination arrangements. However, a few incidents occurred
which had the potential to spark a serious escalation.10.
The outbreak of conflict in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on 14
November significantly raised tensions along the Blue Line. UNIFIL
and the Lebanese Armed Forces acted immediately to increase their
patrolling activities, with a focus on preventing any hostile
activities in the area. On 19 November, the Lebanese Armed Forces
informed UNIFIL that it had discovered and dismantled two 107mm
rockets ready to be fired from a crude launching platform in the area
between Mazraat Islamiye and Darjhat (Sector East). On 21 November,
UNIFIL heard explosions in Sector East of its area of operations and
received information from both the Lebanese Armed Forces and the
Israel Defense Forces shortly thereafter that two rockets, which had
been fired towards Israel from the vicinity of Al Mansurah located
north of the Litani River outside UNIFIL’s area of operations, had
landed near Sarda in Lebanon just north of the Blue Line. The
Lebanese Armed Forces located the launching site the following day,
where it also found a third rocket that had failed to launch. To
date, the points of impact have not been located. UNIFIL and the
Lebanese Armed Forces are currently conducting investigations into
the two rocket incidents.

11.
On 17 December, an explosion occurred in the vicinity of Tayr Harfa,
approximately two kilometres north of the Blue Line (Sector West).
Local authorities told UNIFIL that the explosion was related to the
controlled demolition of a cluster bomb. UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed
Forces patrols sent to locate and investigate the explosion were
prevented temporarily from reaching the suspected location by a large
number of vehicles parked on the road. UNIFIL was able to access the
site within two hours of the explosion. UNIFIL’s investigation team
observed that the ground at the site had been leveled recently with
fresh soil, with clear signs of bulldozer tracks. UNIFIL has
requested the Lebanese Armed Forces for authorisation to excavate the
site and for additional information. UNIFIL’s investigation is
ongoing.12.
The Israel Defense Forces continued to violate Lebanese airspace
almost daily during the reporting period, with overflights of
Lebanese territory and Lebanese territorial waters by unmanned aerial
vehicles and fixed-wing aircraft, including fighter jets. On 29
January alone, there were approximately 34 air violations involving
multiple fighter jets. On 28 November, at least six Israeli attack
helicopters entered Lebanese airspace and flew at low altitude in the
general vicinity of Tyre, an action which could have resulted in a
serious security incident, as well as putting at risk UNIFIL
helicopters normally operating in the area. UNIFIL protested all air
violations to the Israel Defense Forces, calling on the Israeli
authorities to cease them immediately. The Government of Lebanon also
protested the violations, while the Government of Israel continued to
maintain that the overflights are a necessary security measure.

13.
The Israel Defense Forces continued to occupy the northern part of
the village of Ghajar and an adjacent area north of the Blue Line, in
violation of resolution 1701 (2006). UNIFIL is still awaiting a
response from Israel regarding security arrangements to facilitate
the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from the area, proposed
to both parties on 25 June 2011. The Lebanese Armed Forces conveyed
its approval on 19 July 2011. The Israel Defense Forces indicated
that the proposal would require the approval of the Government of
Israel. Pending a response from the Government of Israel, UNIFIL is
conducting bilateral consultations with the parties in an effort to
facilitate the secure use by the local Lebanese population of the SD1
road, which lies just north of the occupied area. Among other
security concerns, the Israel Defense Forces continues to express its
concern about smuggling activities from Lebanon into Israel that
allegedly pass through Ghajar. The overall objective remains the
complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from northern Ghajar
and the adjacent area north of the Blue Line.

14.
During the reporting period, there were a number of ground violations
of the Blue Line by Lebanese shepherds and farmers primarily in the
Shab’a Farms area and in the vicinity of Blida and Meiss El Jebel.
While some of these violations were inadvertent, others were
committed by civilians claiming to own land south of the Blue Line.
On 28 October, civilians violated the Blue Line near Bastarra, in the
Shab’a Farms area, by approximately 30 metres and started to erect
a fence around some olive trees. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces
subsequently established that the fence was south of the Blue Line,
and UNIFIL removed the fence on 21 December. On 24 January 2013, a
Member of the Lebanese Parliament, accompanied by some 18 civilians,
including journalists, violated the Blue Line in the same area by
about 15 metres, and delivered a press statement. UNIFIL protested
the incidents to the Lebanese Armed Forces. On 31 October, the Israel
Defense Forces apprehended a shepherd alleged to have violated the
Blue Line in another part of Shab’a Farms, and returned him the
following day. UNIFIL has shared the findings of its investigation
into the incident with the parties for comment before finalizing the
report. UNIFIL has appealed to both parties to refrain from taking
unilateral action when violations occur and instead avail of UNIFIL’s
liaison and coordination arrangements.

15.
UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces continued their daily
coordinated operational activities, including co-located checkpoints,
coordinated patrolling and joint training exercises on land and at
sea. UNIFIL conducted an average of almost 10,000 activities monthly,
including some 1,100 in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed
Forces. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces continued to carry out
joint counter- rocket launching operations, which were increased
during and in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict in November 2012, at
a monthly average of approximately 400 counter- rocket launching
operations. For its part, UNIFIL continued to man seven co-located
checkpoints along the Litani River and carried out regular helicopter
patrols of its area of operations.

16.
Due to the multiple security responsibilities of the Lebanese Armed
Forces throughout Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces deployment in
the area of operations remained at the same level as during the
preceding period, consisting of approximately two brigades and two
battalions, in addition to support elements. The Lebanese Armed
Forces faces challenges in undertaking new tasks with UNIFIL in
southern Lebanon due to a lack of capacity, including a shortage of
barracks and equipment. As part of its efforts to help the Lebanese
Armed Forces enhance its capabilities, UNIFIL donated a number of
generator sets, spare parts and fuel tanks to the units deployed in
the area of operations.

17.
UNIFIL generally enjoyed full freedom of movement throughout its area
of operations during the reporting period. Nevertheless, there were a
few incidents when this freedom of movement was challenged by local
civilians. On 29 November, a UNIFIL patrol was blocked by a group of
civilians in Rshaf (Sector West), after the patrol inadvertently
approached a mosque for women. The civilians became aggressive when
the UNIFIL personnel refused to disembark from their vehicles and
caused costly damage to the vehicles’ exteriors. On three separate
occasions, on 31 October, 12 December and 6 January, there were
incidents in Ayta ash-Sha’b, during which UNIFIL patrols were
blocked by civilian vehicles and United Nations and personal
equipment and items were taken forcibly from UNIFIL personnel. On the
third occasion, UNIFIL personnel and visiting international
journalists were held for an hour by the local civilians before being
allowed to leave. On 9 February, a UNIFIL mine-clearance team was
obstructed near Blida (Sector East) by a group of civilians.
Following a scuffle with one of the peacekeepers, the civilians
snatched a camera. Another incident involved an attempt by a civilian
to rob UNIFIL personnel by pointing a shotgun at a UNIFIL vehicle.

18.
In most cases, Lebanese Armed Forces personnel arrived quickly on the
scene and played a critical role in bringing the incidents to an end.
The Lebanese Armed Forces was able to retrieve some of the
confiscated equipment and return it to UNIFIL. The Lebanese Armed
Forces arrested the civilian who attempted to rob a UNIFIL patrol at
gunpoint.

19.
In another incident on 26 January, a logistics convoy taking UNIFIL
civilian personnel from Beirut to the area of operations mistakenly
left the designated route and, when it tried to turn back, was
stopped by a group of individuals armed with assault rifles in the
vicinity of Mazra’at al Urqub, outside of the area of operations.
The armed individuals held the convoy for a short period, searched
all UNIFIL personnel and took some electronic equipment, before
escorting the convoy back to the designated route.

20.
UNIFIL protested all incidents to the Lebanese Armed Forces and
emphasized to the Lebanese authorities that primary responsibility
for ensuring UNIFIL’s freedom of movement and the safety and
security of its personnel lies with the Lebanese authorities. During
the reporting period, UNIFIL continued to focus the attention of the
Lebanese military judicial authorities on outstanding investigations
into such incidents. UNIFIL’s Force Commander took up the matter
with the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Jean Kahwaji and
other senior Lebanese security officials. He also addressed local
authorities, representatives of military, security and customs
officials, as well as local members of the national parliament on the
importance of full freedom of movement and the support of local
communities to UNIFIL. All his interlocutors emphasized their strong
support for UNIFIL, a point also underlined by President Sleiman
during his visit to UNIFIL. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces are
currently working on a joint outreach initiative to further explain
UNIFIL’s mandate and modus operandi to the local population.

21.
Despite these isolated incidents, the attitude of the local
population towards UNIFIL remained positive. Through its regular
liaison activities with local communities, UNIFIL helped address
issues with the potential to trigger tensions inside the area of
operations. For example, UNIFIL actively facilitated and contributed
to the construction of a water storage tank near the Blue Line in
Blida (Sector East). As part of its activities aimed at building
confidence with the local population, UNIFIL continued to provide
community services such as medical, dental, veterinary and
educational assistance, and implement quick impact projects. The
Mission also coordinated with a wide range of civilian actors in
planning and organizing joint outreach activities, including two
trade fairs with local agricultural cooperatives and events on the
occasion of the international days for peace, gender and security,
children, and persons with disabilities.

22.
UNIFIL continued to provide assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces
in taking steps to establish an area free of armed personnel, assets
and weapons between the Blue Line and the Litani River, other than
those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL. This continues to
be a long-term objective. The rocket incidents described earlier in
this report demonstrated that weapons and hostile armed elements
ready to use them remain, including in the UNIFIL area of
operations.23.
The Government of Israel continued to allege that Hizbullah had been
building up its military positions and units inside populated areas
in southern Lebanon and that unauthorized weapons were being
transferred into Lebanon, including into the UNIFIL area of
operations. Where specific information is received regarding the
illegal presence of armed personnel or weapons inside its area of
operations, UNIFIL, in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces,
remains determined to act with all means available within its mandate
and to the full extent provided for in its rules of engagement, as
described in my previous reports. UNIFIL, however, does not
proactively search for weapons in the south. It visits locations
after receiving an alert and in coordination with the Lebanese Armed
Forces. According to its mandate, UNIFIL cannot enter private
property unless there is credible evidence of a violation of
resolution 1701 (2006), including an imminent threat of hostile
activity emanating from that specific location.

24.
During the reporting period, UNIFIL observed unauthorized armed
personnel and weapons in its area of operations in violation of
resolution 1701 (2006) on a number of occasions. As described
earlier, two rocket incidents and an explosion in the vicinity of
Tayr Harfa occurred. UNIFIL is not in a position to determine whether
the rockets discovered in the area of operations during the reporting
period were smuggled into or already present in the area of
operations. To date, UNIFIL has neither been provided with, nor has
found, evidence of the unauthorized transfer of arms into its area of
operations. The Lebanese Armed Forces command continued to state that
it would act immediately to put a stop to any illegal activity in
contravention of resolution 1701 (2006) and relevant Government
decisions. Several items of unexploded ordnance from the 2006 war and
before were discovered by civilians, the Lebanese Armed Forces and
UNIFIL personnel. On one occasion, a damaged box of eight grenades
with Hebrew inscriptions was discovered. In all cases, the Lebanese
Armed Forces military specialists destroyed the ordnance.

25.
A number of civilians were observed by UNIFIL carrying hunting
weapons and engaged in hunting activities. On a few occasions, the
Lebanese Armed Forces detained hunters and confiscated their weapons.
In other cases, hunters quickly left the scene after being spotted by
UNIFIL or Lebanese Armed Forces patrols. The Lebanese Armed Forces
released a press statement on 24 November reaffirming the ban on
hunting, particularly inside UNIFIL’s area of operations.

26.
The UNIFIL Maritime Task Force continued to carry out its dual
mandate of conducting maritime interdiction operations in the area of
maritime operations and training Lebanese navy personnel. Since my
last report, the Lebanese navy and customs officials have inspected
307 vessels in order to verify that there were no unauthorised arms
or related materiel on board. The Maritime Task Force and Lebanese
naval forces conducted 13 workshops on land and 20 at-sea training
exercises. Lebanese navy personnel continued to develop further their
capabilities through the conduct of eight on- the-job training
exercises in maritime interdiction operations. There were some
limitations to joint activities resulting from the lack of adequate
Lebanese navy vessels that could endure the inclement weather
conditions.27.
There have been a number of incidents along the line of buoys. UNIFIL
observed Israel Defense Forces navy units dropping ten depth charges,
firing three flares, and warning shots on ten occasions along the
buoy line, reportedly to ward off Lebanese fishing boats in the
vicinity of the line. UNIFIL has no mandate to monitor the line of
buoys, which the Government of Israel installed unilaterally and
which the Government of Lebanon does not recognize.

B.
Security and liaison arrangements

28.
UNIFIL’s liaison and coordination arrangements with the parties
continued to function well and on several occasions both parties
sought to further develop security and liaison arrangements with
UNIFIL.

29.
Daily interaction and liaison activities between UNIFIL and the
Lebanese Armed Forces continued at its established high and effective
level. UNIFIL also maintained effective liaison and coordination with
the Israel Defense Forces although there has been no progress in the
establishment of a liaison office in Tel Aviv.30.
The tripartite forum remained the key mechanism for addressing
security and military operational issues related to the
implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). In addition to discussing
violations and incidents that have occurred between the parties, the
tripartite forum is a confidence-building mechanism. It offers a
platform through which UNIFIL can facilitate practical arrangements
and localised understandings on the ground between the Lebanese Armed
Forces and the Israel Defense Forces that would remove possible
points of friction, defuse tension in potential flashpoints,
stabilize the situation and build confidence.

31.
Following consultations in the tripartite forum, UNIFIL, for example,
cleared debris which was blocking water from running through a
culvert close to the Blue Line and restored the flow of water to
prevent the flooding of local farmland near Kafr Kila (Sector East).
UNIFIL continues to work with the parties to put in place a more
sustainable solution that will prevent future flooding of this area.
UNIFIL is also exploring ways to relieve tensions in Bastarra, where
local farmers cultivate olive trees south of the Blue Line, and build
confidence along the Hasbani/Wazzani River, where local entrepreneurs
have established a series of resorts on the Lebanese side of the
river along the Blue Line, as previously reported.

32.
Progress in visibly marking the Blue Line continued at a steady pace.
As at 13 February, the total number of points agreed between the
parties for marking stood at 257 out of a total of 473 points to be
marked. UNIFIL thus far has cleared access to 234 points, and 201
have been measured. Some 163 Blue Line markers have been constructed,
and 145 verified by both parties. In accordance with the
recommendations of the strategic review, UNIFIL began exploratory
bilateral discussions with the parties to address those points along
the Blue Line that had been deemed contentious or problematic. In
agreement with the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese Armed
Forces, UNIFIL also started refurbishment works of the previously
constructed Blue Line markers.

33.
After the Israel Defense Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces
expressed their interest in exploring ways to address questions of
maritime security with UNIFIL, as mentioned in my previous report,
the Mission commenced preliminary bilateral consultations with the
parties, with a view to ascertaining their respective positions and
identifying potential commonalities. Based on these preliminary
discussions, UNIFIL also began work on a draft proposal for practical
maritime security arrangements that it plans to share with the
parties for their comments.

34.
In line with the priorities identified by the strategic review,
UNIFIL continued to work closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces to
increase its capacity through the strategic dialogue mechanism. The
strategic dialogue remains a separate but integral component of the
overall Lebanese Armed Forces capability development plan. UNIFIL, in
close coordination with UNSCOL, continued exploring the possibility
of establishing a coordination mechanism between UNIFIL, the Lebanese
Armed Forces, the Government of Lebanon, and international donors,
including troop-contributing countries and other Member States, to
ensure a comprehensive approach and support to the Strategic Dialogue
mechanism.

C.
Disarming Armed Groups

35.
Resolution 1701 (2006) calls for the full implementation of the
relevant provisions of the Taif Accords, and of resolutions 1559
(2004) and 1680 (2006), that require the disarmament of all armed
groups in Lebanon, so that there will be no weapons without the
consent of the Government of Lebanon and no authority other than that
of the Government of Lebanon.

36.
The maintenance of arms by Hizbullah and other groups outside the
control of the Lebanese State, in violation of resolutions 1559
(2004), 1680 (2006) and 1701 (2006) continues to restrict the State’s
ability to exercise full sovereignty and authority over its
territory. Hizbullah has continued to acknowledge openly that it
maintains a substantial military capacity separate from that of the
Lebanese State. It claims that its arms serve as a deterrent against
potential aggression from Israel.

37.
The further round of violence in Tripoli between 4 and 10 December
and other violent incidents involving arms during the reporting
period again demonstrated the threat posed by the proliferation of
arms outside the control of the State. Whilst it was the sixth round
of violence in Tripoli in 2012, the intensity of the violence and the
heavy caliber weapons used marked a worrying escalation. Calm was
restored after the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed heavily in the
neighbourhoods affected and at strategic points around the city
following the adoption on 9 December of a new security plan by the
Higher Defence Council. Since then the situation has remained
generally calm but on 18 January there was an incident involving a
convoy carrying Faisal Karameh, the Minister for Youth, which left
five people injured.

38.
The Lebanese Armed Forces has continued to deploy as needed elsewhere
to defuse political tensions, subdue violence and act against those
responsible for it. On 12 November, the Lebanese Armed Forces
deployed to contain an outbreak of violence in Sidon after a clash
between Hizbullah supporters and followers of Sheikh Ahmad el Assir
left three dead and at least four wounded. The Lebanese Armed Forces
has sustained casualties and losses in its efforts to maintain law
and order, including on 1 February when two Lebanese soldiers were
killed in a raid to arrest a wanted militant in Arsal. The attack on
Lebanese soldiers was broadly condemned and efforts to secure the
arrest of those responsible continue.

39.
President Sleiman remained strongly committed to the resumption of
the National Dialogue, which has not met since 20 September 2012.
President Sleiman had then submitted a paper setting out an initial
vision for a comprehensive national defence strategy centred on the
principle of the exclusive right of the Lebanese Armed Forces to the
use of force and frameworks and mechanisms for control and use of
Hizbullah’s arms. The 14 March leadership has declined to
participate in the meetings since the 19 October 2012 assassination
of General Wissam al-Hassan.

40.
There has been no progress on the dismantling of military bases
maintained by the Popular Front for the Liberation of
Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) and Fatah al-Intifada. In 2006,
the National Dialogue decided that these bases should be dismantled
and the United Nations has repeatedly supported this call. The
existence of these bases continues to compromise Lebanese sovereignty
and impede the ability of the State to monitor effectively and
control parts of the Lebanese-Syrian border.41.
In the Ain El Helweh Palestinian refugee camp there were heightened
tensions on 23 January and again from 18 to 19 February between
groups respectively loyal to the regime and the opposition in Syria.
The clashes were relatively limited, and contained by the Palestinian
security committee in the camp. Otherwise the situation in the
Palestinian refugee camps was generally quiet. On 22 January, the
Lebanese Government undertook to fund the Lebanese-Palestinian
Dialogue Committee for three years.

D.
Arms Embargo and Border Control

42.
In resolution 1701 (2006), the Security Council decided that all
States were to prevent the sale and the supply of arms and related
materiel to entities or individuals in Lebanon by their nationals, or
from their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft.
Resolution 1701 (2006) also calls upon the Government of Lebanon to
secure its borders and other entry points so as to prevent the entry
into Lebanon without its consent of arms and related materiel.

43.
Israeli Government representatives consistently have alleged that
there are significant, ongoing arms transfers to Hizbullah across the
Lebanese-Syrian border. The United Nations takes these allegations
seriously but is not in a position to independently verify them.
Following the Israeli elections in January 2013, members of the
Israeli Government publicly stated that the Syrian Government
intended to transfer advanced weapons systems to Hizbullah and
potentially also non-conventional weapons. Israeli Government
Ministers warned that such arms transfers would constitute a
significant threat and that Israel would act to prevent them from
taking place. Senior representatives of Hizbullah maintained their
position that they have no intention of acquiring chemical weapons.

44.
In a letter dated 31 January 2013 (S/2013/70), the Permanent
Representative of Syria reported that on 30 January, Israeli aircraft
violated the airspace of Syria and proceeded to bombard a scientific
research centre located near Damascus. The letter rejected media
reports asserting that the aircraft had targeted a convoy that was
heading from Syria to Lebanon. While the United Nations does not have
details of and is not in a position to independently verify what has
occurred, I noted with grave concern the reported incident and called
on all concerned to prevent tensions or their escalation in the
region, and to strictly abide by international law, in particular in
respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in
the region.

45.
The Lebanese Armed Forces continued its efforts to counter smuggling
from Lebanon into Syria. There were recurrent incidents of
cross-border fire and Syrian armed forces fired small arms and
heavier weapons into Lebanon and on at least three occasions an
exchange of fire was initiated from Lebanese territory. On 25
December a Lebanese child was killed by small arms fire into Lebanon
from across the border. Between 23 and 24 February, at least two
Lebanese men were killed by fire from Syria, prompting President
Sleiman to protest and demand the cessation of firing and shelling
towards Lebanon and stress the need for continued commitment to
Lebanon’s policy of neutrality. The movement of arms and fighters
across the Lebanese-Syrian border continued. On 1 November, a Syrian
national was killed and a number of Lebanese security personnel were
injured in a firefight after a vehicle attempted to enter Lebanon
illegally near the town of Arsal. On 30 November, a group of 13
Lebanese, three Syrians and one Palestinian fighters was reportedly
killed by Syrian regime forces at Tal Kalakh in Syria after they had
crossed from Lebanon. On 17 February, there were reports of heavy
cross- border fire in the northern Beqa'a linked to fighting in
nearby villages in Syria. There were further reports of Hizbullah
fighters being killed apparently in fighting in Syria, at that time
and previously.

46.
The movement of armed groups and weapons across the Lebanese-Syrian
border and the recurrent cross-border incidents again highlighted the
need for the Lebanese security forces to have greater means at their
disposal to manage and control the border. Donors announced
additional assistance for the Lebanese authorities in this regard,
some of it dedicated to continuing long-term efforts to strengthen
and integrate border management involving all of the relevant
branches of the Lebanese security forces. The Lebanese Armed Forces
has continued to work on a US$ 1.6 billion plan to increase its
capacity and capabilities. The Lebanese Armed Forces capability
development plan has been presented within the Government at a high
level and is expected to be presented formally to donors soon. It
looks to national and international funding to meet what are pressing
needs.

47.
There was a substantial rise in the Syrian refugee population in
Lebanon during the reporting period, including after the intense
fighting around Damascus in December. Of the 305,000 refugees
officially receiving assistance in Lebanon, 78 per cent are estimated
to be women and children. There was a notable increase in the
presence of refugees south of the Litani River, with some 4,200
refugees registered in the area. UNHCR is planning to open a
registration office in Tyre in the coming weeks. In all areas, winter
conditions made shelter a priority, and the shortfall in available
assistance noted in my previous report became acute.

48.
The Government of Lebanon unveiled on 3 December 2012 a plan to
address the needs of Syrian refugees. It resisted calls to close the
border to further influxes of Syrian refugees. Also in December the
United Nations submitted a revised regional plan which included an
appeal for $267 million for Lebanon. I chaired the International
Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria on 30 January in Kuwait at
which donors pledged over $1.5 billion to support Syrian refugees in
neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, and those displaced by the
conflict inside Syria. In Lebanon, the United Nations humanitarian
presence grew rapidly on the ground and intensive efforts were made
to accelerate registration.

49.
Palestinian refugees have continued to seek shelter in Palestinian
refugee camps in Lebanon after their camps in Syria came under
attack. There was a large influx of Palestinians into Lebanon between
17 and 20 December, including after the intense fighting in the
Palestinian-populated Yarmouk area of Damascus. As of 25 February,
some 31,500 Palestinians from Syria had approached UNRWA in Lebanon,
including 5,200 Palestinian refugees from Syria who recently arrived
south of the Litani River. UNRWA is seeking to provide Palestinian
refugees from Syria with assistance in cooperation with
non-governmental organizations.

E.
Landmines and cluster bombs

50.
The Lebanon Mine Action Centre, a unit of the Lebanese Armed Forces,
is the national authority for mine action in Lebanon with
responsibility for the management of all humanitarian clearance and
mine action data. The United Nations Mine Action Support Team is a
United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS) programme implemented in
support of UNIFIL demining activities along the Blue Line through the
provision of training to contingents, and validation and quality
assurance monitoring. Eight military manual clearance teams, three
military explosives ordnance disposal teams and one military
mechanical clearance team are currently deployed in the UNIFIL area
of operations. Over 809.94 m2 of lanes providing access to Blue Line
points were cleared during the reporting period, 10 anti-personnel
mines and one unexploded ordnance were found and demolished, two Blue
Line points were cleared and the clearance on two other Blue Line
points started. Meanwhile, UNMAS continued to conduct training for
UNIFIL military and civilian personnel, quality assurance visits to
operational sites and demonstrations.

F.
Delineation of Borders

51.
There was again no progress towards delineating and demarcating the
Syrian- Lebanese border, including in areas where it is uncertain or
disputed, as called for in Security Council resolutions 1680 (2006)
and 1701 (2006). Cross-border violence as a result of the Syrian
crisis again highlighted the importance of delineation and
demarcation of the borders between Lebanon and Syria as soon as
practicable.

52.
There has also been no progress on the issue of the Shab’a Farms.
Neither Syria nor Israel has reacted to the provisional definition of
that area contained in my 30 October 2007 report on the
implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) (S/2007/641).

III.
Security and safety of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

53.
UNIFIL and the Lebanese authorities continued to cooperate closely to
ensure the safety and security of all UNIFIL personnel. Complementing
the measures taken by the Government of Lebanon, UNIFIL continued to
apply its own risk mitigating measures. UNIFIL continuously reviewed
its security plans and risk mitigation measures, and carried out
safety awareness training for its personnel. Physical infrastructure
and equipment upgrades of UNIFIL headquarters are continuing to
ensure force protection.

54.
UNIFIL continued to observe proceedings in the Lebanese military
court against suspects involved in cases of serious attacks, actual
or planned, against UNIFIL peacekeepers, the latest of which took
place in 2011. Appeal court hearings, concerning sentences handed
down in October 2012 in the case of an intended attack against UNIFIL
in 2008, were postponed again until July 2013 for procedural reasons.

IV.
Deployment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

55.
As at 13 February 2013, the total military strength of UNIFIL was
10,826, including 383 women. UNIFIL has 337 international and 655
national civilian staff members, of whom 101 and 164, respectively,
are women. UNIFIL is also supported by 51 United Nations Truce
Supervision Organization military observers of the Observer Group
Lebanon, of whom one is a woman.

56.
Since my last report, Spain reduced its contribution of troops to
UNIFIL by some 25 per cent to 701 and announced a further reduction
by May 2013. In the course of the rightsizing of some UNIFIL units
pursuant to the recommendations of the recent Military Capability
Study, Indonesia reduced its deployment from 1,446 to 1,188 troops.
Meanwhile, Serbia has deployed an infantry platoon within the Spanish
battalion under a bilateral agreement with Spain.

57.
The current composition of the Maritime Task Force (MTF) is seven
vessels (three frigates, one corvette and three fast patrol boats)
and two helicopters. The new Brazilian flagship arrived on 13 January
2013. UNIFIL is awaiting the arrival of a new Indonesian vessel
expected in April, which will bring the total number of MTF vessels
back to the requirement of eight.

V.
Observations

58.
I welcome the continuing calm in the UNIFIL area of operations and
along the Blue Line. I commend the parties for preserving stability
in the area amidst the crisis in Syria and for demonstrating strong
commitment to safeguarding the cessation of hostilities.
Nevertheless, there were a few incidents that had the potential to
spark a serious escalation. I urge both parties to continue working
with UNIFIL to maintain the current calm, to minimize and halt
violations, look for practical localized solutions and build on what
has been achieved by strengthening the liaison and coordination
arrangements between them.

59.
I remain concerned at the lack of progress towards achieving a
permanent ceasefire and long-term solution to the conflict, as
envisaged in resolution 1701 (2006). In line with the requirements
for the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), I hope that
the parties will move from the current fragile cessation of
hostilities and find that it is in their mutual interest to work
towards achieving a permanent ceasefire and long-term solution to the
conflict. I encourage all concerned to recommit to that goal and to
work with my Special Coordinator and UNIFIL to identify ways forward
in this regard.

60.
Major obligations under the resolution are still outstanding and
require action by both parties. I am concerned that there are still
unauthorized weapons in the UNIFIL area of operations, in
contravention of the resolution, as evidenced during the reporting
period by the attempt to launch rockets from the area of operations.
The explosion in the vicinity of Tayr Harfa during the period also
raises concern. The Lebanese authorities have the primary
responsibility to ensure that there are no unauthorized armed
personnel, assets or weapons in the area. In this context, I also
call on both parties to cooperate fully with UNIFIL investigations to
help ascertain the facts of these incidents and violations, by
facilitating access to people and places as well as to relevant
information in their possession.

61.
I remain concerned that violations of Lebanese airspace continue to
be committed almost daily by Israel. The use of fighter jets and
attack helicopters flying at low altitude during the reporting period
raised particular concern. I call again on the Government of Israel
to cease all overflights of Lebanese territory and Lebanese
territorial waters. The continuing occupation of northern Ghajar and
an adjacent area north of the Blue Line by the Israel Defense Forces
also represents an ongoing violation of resolution 1701 (2006).
Israel has an obligation to withdraw its armed forces from the area,
in accordance with resolution 1701 (2006).

62.
The conflict in Syria continues to pose serious challenges for the
security and stability of Lebanon. The lack of progress in
delineating and demarcating the Lebanese- Syrian border is no
justification for the serious and repeated violations of Lebanese
territorial integrity, which have caused death, injury and material
damage to property. I call upon the Government of Syria to cease all
violations of the border and to respect the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Lebanon in accordance with Security Council
resolutions 1559 (2004), 1680 (2006) and 1701 (2006).

63.
The reported involvement of certain Lebanese elements in the conflict
in Syria is contrary to Lebanon’s policy of disassociation. I note
with grave concern reports of the Tal Kalakh incident involving
Lebanese nationals and of further deaths of Hizbullah members
fighting inside Syria. The dangers for Lebanon of such involvement
and indeed of continued cross-border arms smuggling are obvious. I
call upon all Lebanese political leaders to act to ensure that
Lebanon remains neutral in respect of external conflicts consistent
with their commitment in the Baabda Declaration.

64.
I remain concerned about the political stalemate that has continued
to prevail in the wake of the assassination of General Wissam
al-Hassan on 19 October 2012. I commend the leadership of President
Sleiman and his efforts to minimize political tensions and ensure
continued stability in Lebanon in the face of the protracted conflict
in Syria. I am concerned that disagreements over the electoral law
have over-shadowed necessary preparations for the elections. I
encourage all parties in Lebanon to work to ensure that elections
take place on a consensual basis within the legal and constitutional
timeframe. The United Nations continues to provide technical support
to those responsible for preparing the elections. I hope that
arrangements agreed will include measures to enhance the
representation of women. I emphasize the importance of free, fair and
credible elections in a timely fashion for Lebanon’s stability and
continued political advancement.

65.
The maintenance of arms by Hizbullah and other groups outside the
control of the State continues to pose a threat to Lebanese
sovereignty and stability, and stands in contradiction to the
country’s obligations under resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701
(2006). I regret the inability of Lebanon’s leaders to meet within
the framework of the National Dialogue during the reporting period to
discuss this and other issues and encourage all concerned to heed the
President’s call for the resumption of dialogue as soon as
possible. I remain of the view that the goal of ensuring that there
are no weapons outside the control of the State can only be achieved
through a Lebanese-led political process which has this as its aim
and believe that the National Dialogue remains the best mechanism to
achieve it. In this context I reiterate my call for the
implementation of earlier decisions of the National Dialogue,
specifically those related to the disarmament of non-Lebanese groups
and the dismantling of the PFLP-GC and Fatah al-Intifada military
bases.

66.
I welcome the continued efforts of the Lebanese security forces to
maintain stability across the country. It is important that they
continue to receive needed backing from across the political spectrum
for their work and that redoubled efforts are made to address sources
of repeated violence, such as that which occurred in Tripoli. The
recurrence of violent incidents underlines the extent to which
Lebanon needs to take further concrete steps to counter the
prevalence of weapons outside the authority of the State, and to
ensure the effective implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). I
remind all Member States of their obligations under resolution 1701
(2006) to prevent the sale or supply of arms and related materiel of
all types to any entity or individual in Lebanon except those
authorized by the Government of Lebanon. I call on the Lebanese
authorities to hold accountable those involved in the violent
incidents noted in this and previous reports consistent with the
extension of control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese
territory as called for in resolution 1701 (2006). I also reiterate
the Security Council’s call for the perpetrators, organizers,
financiers and sponsors of the assassination of General Wissam al
Hassan to be brought to justice, as well as those involved in the
attempted assassination of political figures last year. It is
unacceptable that political leaders in Lebanon should continue to
have reason to fear for their lives. Steps must be taken to allay
such fears.

67.
I take this opportunity to welcome the unity shown by leaders in the
Palestinian camps in Lebanon in working together, and with the
Lebanese authorities, to maintain order against the backdrop of the
crisis in Syria. I also welcome the decision of the Lebanese
Government to continue to support the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue
Committee for a further three-year period. There is an urgent need to
improve the living conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon,
without prejudice to the resolution of the refugee question in the
context of a comprehensive peace settlement. The influx of several
thousand additional Palestinian refugees displaced from Syria into
the already extremely cramped camps in Lebanon has imposed a heavy
new burden on the inhabitants and on UNRWA’s efforts to assist
them. I strongly urge Member States to further support UNRWA’s work
given the heavy additional pressures on its resources.

68.
I pay tribute to the Government and people of Lebanon for their
hosting of and assistance to the Syrian refugees and welcome the
commitment of the Lebanese Government to keep its borders open to
allow those displaced by the conflict in Syria to seek refuge in
Lebanon. The rate at which new refugees have crossed into Lebanon
over the last two reporting periods has accelerated markedly and
creates increasing challenges within Lebanon. I call on the
international community to recognize the appeals of the Lebanese
leadership in this regard, and provide assistance accordingly. Funds
pledged at the International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for
Syria in Kuwait on 30 January should help to alleviate the burden on
the Lebanese Government and people and I thank all of those who
responded so generously to the appeals there. Quick delivery of these
pledges is a key priority now if the suffering of the refugees is to
be alleviated and if Lebanon is to sustain its capacity to address
increased numbers of refugees at the current rates of influx. I
therefore urge the Government to continue to plan accordingly. The
United Nations will continue to stand by Lebanon in addressing this
challenge until such time as the refugees are able to return to their
homes.

69.
I am concerned about incidents restricting UNIFIL’s freedom of
movement and instances of aggressive behaviour towards UNIFIL
personnel. While the number of incidents is marginal relative to the
overall number of operational activities conducted by UNIFIL, some of
these incidents are in violation of resolutions 1701 (2006) and 1773
(2007) and have the potential to escalate and compromise UNIFIL
operations. UNIFIL’s freedom of movement is integral to the
effective implementation of its mandate and the Lebanese authorities
are primarily responsible for ensuring that UNIFIL can operate
unhindered to this end.

70.
The demands on the Lebanese Armed Forces during this reporting period
have been heavy – in the south of the country alongside UNIFIL;
along the border with Syria; and in terms of internal security –
all against the background of intense regional turbulence and
consequent political and sectarian tensions inside Lebanon. It is
encouraging that the Lebanese Armed Forces has for the first time, at
the prompting of the Lebanese Government, sought to prioritize
strategically its immediate needs in light of these multiple
challenges, including through the elaboration of the plan to enhance
its capabilities.

71.
I commend the Lebanese Armed Forces for their strong cooperation with
UNIFIL despite their multiple security responsibilities across
Lebanon and particularly during periods of heightened tensions. I am
grateful to those countries that continue to provide critical
assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and encourage the
international community to demonstrate further its commitment to
building the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, including the
Navy. In this context, it is imperative that UNIFIL and the Lebanese
Armed Forces remain focused on the strategic dialogue and that the
process receives strong support from all national and international
stakeholders.

72.
I welcome the work done on the plan to enhance the capabilities of
the Lebanese Armed Forces and the efforts made to ensure that it
reflects the requirements and objectives of the strategic dialogue. I
encourage both the Government of Lebanon and the international
community to be forthcoming in their support to the plan when it is
finalized. I further stand ready to assist the Lebanese Armed Forces
and the Government of Lebanon as they seek to carry forward their
Lebanese Armed Forces capability development plan. The United Nations
will also continue to support the efforts of the Lebanese security
agencies, in collaboration with donors, to improve integrated border
management.

73.
Regrettably no progress has been made with regard to the Shab’a
Farms area in accordance with paragraph 10 of resolution 1701 (2006).
I call, once again, on Syria and Israel to submit their responses to
the provisional definition of the Shab’a Farms area that I provided
in October 2007 (S/2007/641).

74.
The focus on opportunities for oil and gas exploration in the eastern
Mediterranean remained high during the reporting period, including on
the potential benefits of exploitation of offshore resources for both
Israel and Lebanon. I am hopeful that both countries can make
progress on the delimitation of their respective maritime exclusive
economic zones and to undertake the necessary preparations for the
exploration and exploitation of their resources in a manner that does
not give rise to tensions. The United Nations stands ready to assist
in this matter should both parties request it.

75.
The Lebanese people have continued to show great resilience against
the backdrop of regional developments and threats, in particular
those relating to the crisis in Syria. They have shown generosity in
receiving so many of those fleeing from that conflict. They are now
preparing for important elections. The arrangements set in place by
resolution 1701 (2006) are responsible in significant part for the
stability, albeit fragile, that makes all of this possible. These
arrangements are also responsible for the unprecedented calm that has
continued to prevail across the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel
since 2006. Longer term security and stability call for an end to
conflict in the region, including progress towards a just, lasting
and comprehensive peace. Continued commitment and efforts by the
Governments of Lebanon and Israel to the full implementation of
resolution 1701 (2006) will remain vital through the present
challenging period.

76.
I wish to express my appreciation to all countries contributing
troops and equipment to UNIFIL. I also commend the UNIFIL Head of
Mission and Force Commander and the military and the civilian
personnel of UNIFIL, as well as the United Nations Special
Coordinator for Lebanon and the staff of his Office, all of whom
continue to play a vital role in helping to promote stability along
the Blue Line and in Lebanon.

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